Newsletter Term 3 January 2008
Happy New Year everyone!
We hope you have had a wonderful Christmas. Thank you very much for all your gifts and cards. Thank you also to Alex for hosting our Christmas social. It was fun and a great opportunity for people to get to know each other better. There are some plans being developed for a possible social in Jan/Feb to brighten up a dark winters evening; see notice board for details.
We extend a big welcome to our ‘Twiglets’ who will be moving up to preschool this month. We look forward to Cillian, Hugo and Jamie joining us and hope that they will settle happily and that they and their families will enjoy being part of preschool life.
Christmas performance
Well done to those who took part in any or all of the three performances. There are lots of photos on display. Did anyone record this and if so please can we have a copy?
Early Years
Foundation Stage
This term you will again notice a number of changes at preschool as we continue to introduce the Early Years Foundation Stage which becomes statutory in September this year. The main aim of the EYFS is to help children to achieve their full potential through recognition that each child is unique and can make a positive contribution. We are making changes as we attend courses throughout the year rather than try to change everything at once. Each change we introduce will be for the benefit of the children.
The main change this term is the move to following the children’s interests at the time instead of adult prescribed, time limited topics – see below.
We extend a big thank you to people who have provided supply cover for us while we have been studying. If anyone else is able and willing to work some sessions at preschool, including at short notice, please speak to Alwyn or Helen.
Don’t forget that you are also always welcome to ‘stay and play’ whenever it suits you and your child.
Topics
Traditionally we have had a three year rotation of topics and an annual cycle of shapes colours numbers and letters. This term we will be following the children’s interests and developing activities and plans in line with these. The topics will be relevant and immediate. The children will continue to receive a wide range of stimulating learning opportunities with access to our extensive resources. There will be increased flexibility for allowing interests to flourish and for everyone to participate without time restraints. We aim to follow up an interest for every child over a period of time.
The changes we made last term have been hugely successful with the children delighting in small group sessions that have given them more time to bring in and show special things from home and talk about their interests. Following this an interest in dinosaurs has emerged and we plan to develop this introducing crafts, books, small world play and numeracy involving dinosaurs.
We have begun to change the way we do observations so that you will find longer observations, involving your child and their friends, covering several of the six areas of learning. Many of these ‘learning stories’ will be displayed in the setting as well as in your child’s book. For those with well established books already these will be slotted into the area that your child got most from. Newer books will now be chronological giving a more holistic view of each child’s development on their ‘learning journey’
Outdoor Play
We will continue to take the children outside most days as they have enjoyed and benefited from the fresh air, exercise and outdoor environment. Please can you make sure your child has suitable clothing and footwear especially on days that are wet or chilly.
Story Box
There will be a story box session on Tuesday 15th January at 11.45. Please feel free to join us and bring siblings with you.
Thank you those of you who have already returned the Nursery
Education Grant claim form for this term. There are a few outstanding still
which need to be returned within the next 2 weeks please
If your child was 3
before 1st January 08 you can claim up to a total of 12 ½ hours at
any registered settings your child attends. Any additional time will be
charged.
At White Tree the
session is 2 ¾ hours. At present, if you claim the full 12 ½ hours at White
Tree, the balance of 1 ¼ hours is discounted although this is under review and
may be charged for in the future.
Those of you who pay for your place will be billed shortly. Prompt payment would be appreciated.